TED NewsDesk, New Delhi: The new session in colleges and universities across the country will possibly start from November 1. Meanwhile, they plan to finish the enrollment procedure by the last week of October, as per the draft guidelines for the following academic session drawn- up by the Union Grants Commission (UGC).
The draft guidelines propose a six-day schedule for universities and colleges, instead of the existing five-day one, and cutting short the holidays to compensate for the delay in the session. Besides, the Commission recommends making sure the final results come out on time, said an anonymous functionary acquainted with the proceedings at the Commission.
To make sure the families of the students don’t face the economic disadvantages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those who plan to withdraw their admission before November 30 will get a full refund of their fee. The semester break in the new session might fall during the first week of March, and the first-semester exam will most probably take place in the week, following the vacation.
The official added, “The start of the first year of academic session 2020-2021 is delayed due to the circumstances beyond control, but efforts will be made to compensate the loss of this period by curtailing the summer and winter breaks”.
“The UGC had earlier created an academic calendar that suggested that the admission process for the first year of Undergraduate and Postgraduate students be completed by August 31. For first-year students, it was proposed to start the academic session 2020-2021 from September 1, 2020. However, given the circumstances, the Commission has decided to issue a revised calendar,” he further elaborated.
An executive from the Ministry of Education, on anonymity, said, “Yes, (the draft guidelines were discussed) in today’s full commission meeting of UGC. However, the first semester will be on virtual mode.” He, however, did not elaborate on the details of the online mode.
A board of professionals wrote to the UGC, suggesting that the undergraduate admissions should finish by October to ensure the beginning of the new session in November. The committee took the step under the guidance of R.C. Kuhad, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Haryana, following which it framed the Commission’s draft.
Keeping in mind the results of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) exams, among others, UGC has permitted the universities to make valid and precise changes. Universities across the country will be able to make these changes, given regional conditions and government orders, informed the executive cited above.
Universities and colleges that conduct entrance tests for admission and have fulfilled the criteria are eligible to start their academic calendar promptly. Additionally, it states that the universities where the previous exam results are yet to be declared can begin the new session from November 18.
Due to the volatility of the pandemic, Dr Inder Mohan Kapahy commented, the UGC has to change its plans and working models to suit the current situation.
The pandemic has delayed various courses and academic sessions across the country. Physical classes are not being conducted since March, as per the rules and regulations of lockdown by the Indian government. The beginning of new sessions with proper digital facilities and safety measures will be beneficial for everyone involved and would help people learn from their homes.
Source: Hindustan Times